EU Monitoring Mission statement on additional borderisation activities in Atotsi along the Administrative Boundary Line with South Ossetia

09.11.2018

The European Union Monitoring Mission in
Georgia (EUMM) can confirm that significant
borderisation activities have been
taking place in the area of Atotsi (Balta) since early November 2018. A total
of nearly 400 meters of new fencing works, running alongside the Administrative
Boundary Line with South Ossetia, have been observed by EUMM patrols in the
area.

The EUMM is closely monitoring and
reporting on such
borderisation activities that affect stability as well
as the rights of people in the area. Regrettably, such infrastructure creates
additional obstacles for freedom of movement - and potentially the livelihoods -
of the local population living on both sides of the ABL.

The EUMM managed Hotline has been used
extensively to communicate on the matter during the past days. The EUMM has
been urging relevant security actors to avoid any further steps that could
increase tensions.

The situation in Atotsi
underscores the importance of re-establishing the Incident Prevention and
Response Mechanism (IPRM) meetings in Ergneti where matters like this affecting
stability on the ground can be addressed. The EUMM as co-facilitator urges for
a swift resumption of the IPRM format, which has since 2009 contributed to
stability and security.

The EUMM as the only international
monitoring presence on the ground will continue to monitor the situation in the
area 24/7. In line with its mandate the Mission keeps EU institutions and EU
member states updated with an accurate and timely picture of the situation on
the ground.